Scholar Spotlight

Trenton Fuller: Taking the Lead and Embracing the College Experience

By Allison MonroeFebruary 12, 2014

Hard-working, optimistic and outgoing describe Tier One Scholar, Trenton Fuller. For the junior biology major and Spanish minor, life as a college student has been adventurous and all but mundane. He deals with the stress that comes from being a full-time student by staying active in a number of organizations and by serving fellow Cougars through various leadership positions on campus.

Staying involved has been the secret to success for Fuller. A personification of the word leader, he currently serves as a Student Government Association Senator for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and maintains active membership in the American Chemical Society, American Medical Student Association and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Joining organizations that are relevant to his future career in medicine was strategic and he feels that “such organizations give students hands on experience in their field of interest, as well as possibly giving students a network of resources that they can use after they graduate.”

He was recently elected to serve on the Student Traffic Court, and still manages to find time in his hectic schedule to volunteer in Dr. Simon Bott’s trading card office, which promotes student involvement on campus.

I wanted to get involved with organizations that give students a voice because I feel like the university belongs to the students,” explains Fuller. “With all of the money and time students invest in their university, they should have a say in what changes, if any, need to be made.

Fuller is also a lover of sports. He grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas and graduated Valedictorian of his class while excelling in athletics as an All-State Outfielder. At UH, he joined the club baseball team through the intramural sports program at University Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

Without campus involvement, I feel like I would not have met all of the amazing people that I have. I also wouldn't have had near as much fun with my spare time as I have had through the organizations that I am involved in,” he adds. “The organizations have helped strengthen my bond to the university and to the city.”

His campus involvement has also taught him some valuable lessons. Fuller has come to understand that “leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and creeds.” And he recognizes that “everyone is born with leadership capabilities, but only those that choose to use them become leaders.”

Fuller credits the Tier One scholarship for enabling him to have such a fulfilling and successful college experience. Many students have to balance full-time jobs while getting their education and ultimately sacrifice involvement in on-campus actives. Trent, like other Tier One Scholars, is fortunate.

Without having to worry about paying for my education, I have been able to focus on my studies and on making the most of my time at the University of Houston,” explains Fuller.

The scholarship has opened numerous doors for me and given me opportunities that I may not have received anywhere else,” shares Fuller. “The scholarship has also given me educational resources, especially connections with university faculty and other scholars.”

Last summer, Fuller embarked on an unforgettable study abroad endeavor through the Spanish Immersion Program. With goals of improving his Spanish comprehension and speaking ability, he spent four weeks studying in Costa Rica, followed by an additional week of sight-seeing throughout the country. While abroad, Fuller developed a strong relationship with his host family and peers.

I’ve thought about my study abroad experience nearly every day since returning home. It was life changing,” mentions Fuller. “I still keep in touch with most of the people I met abroad and I feel that most of these will be friends for life.

With another year of studies remaining, Trent Fuller is down to the last handful of courses in his college career. He still hopes to delve into research before completing an undergraduate degree. Medical and biological research are currently at the top of his list. In the long term, he plans to apply that research experience to a career in medicine, specializing in oncology, neurology, or cardiology.

Fuller has benefited from having embraced the full college experience and encourages other students to do the same.

The college experience is so much more than the education that comes out of it,” he insists. “Lifelong bonds are formed during college years, and students that focus only on academics miss out on numerous opportunities to make friends, have fun, and enjoy their college experience. I am happy to say that I am a part of the Houston Cougar family for life!